The big question raised today is the quality of Deaf teaching in schools.
I'm not an amazing student. I was developmentally delayed like many other young children born deaf. I did not have the chance to react to people's forces, pick up language through listening or reach other developmental milestones such as babbling, and my first word. Though, I did pick up language with great accuracy. My written language is great (as you can see here!) and my verbal language is adequate despite a few slip ups in grammar and pronunciation.
In the U.S, there was a Disabilities Act in 1975 which states that segregational Deaf schooling be stopped and all integrated into mainstream schooling. This, of course, brings up the dilemma of the quality of teaching that Deaf students receive at mainstream schools.
I went to a mainstream school myself, though did get attention from the teachers in that group work was difficult for me with too many people speaking at once. I didn't feel like that I was at a disadvantage in attending a mainstream school, and think it's important that students and parents are given the choice of whether to send their Deaf children to a specialised Deaf school or a mainstream school. I understand the U.S government's intentions in trying to integrate (essentially what I believe in which is that I am not different to a hearing person) but in taking away the choice it is sure to create some outcry.
And to end what is turning into a very political post (sorry!), today I got asked what I think life would be like without my cochlear implant. And honestly, I couldn't imagine it. I have had a cochlear implant for as long as I can remember - it is how I said my first word, was able to sing songs as a kid and make friends. Though it has helped me with learning and acquiring language - it doesn't necessary mean that cochlear implants are helping Deaf students reach the same academic level as hearing students.
The real point of this post is: is integration really the only way to look at deafness?
Until next time,
Michelle
Have you ever wondered what silence sounds like? It is blissful!
After a long day of straining to make out sounds and continually staying alert to make sure I don't miss anything. I really don't love anything more than taking them off and relaxing. It's also pretty good when mum's yelling at me but that's something different all together!
When I have a headache, it's like nature's inbuilt a natural cure for me, because all i need to do is take off my hearing aid and I plunge into silence. No ringing, no singing birds, no creaking floorboards - complete silence. It seems overwhelming but when you have to struggle to hear, it's a nice change. And me and all my Deaf friends agree the best night's sleep you will ever have is when you are in silence!
A lot of my friends ask how I get up in the morning. Some people use vibrating alarm clocks under their pillow. I did use one for a while but it kept falling under my bed (probably me swatting it so I don't need to get up in the morning!). So now I use a flashing alarm clock on my bedside table - it is a little harsh on the eyes but it definitely gets the job done!
One point I really wanted to discuss in today's post was the correlation between deafness and mental disorders. It seems like a lot of studies seem to imply that deafness in children can cause them to be cut off from their families. I guess this is partially true - it is hard to communicate at all when you can't hear each other, and you're too young to lip read or sign. But there is still the possibility of children engaging fully with their family and friends even when deaf. I don't think deafness blocked all social interaction completely, but simply forces us to find other ways to socialise. Having my cochlear implant from a young age, I think it's hard for me to give my personal point of view on this topic. Though, I think that deafness really only links with depression and other similar disorders where there is a lack of support and education in other forms to communication other than verbally.
A lot of people ask me whether I like music. Honestly, it's not really my thing! Many of my Deaf friends do enjoy it though, and it's more common for children with cochlear implants to enjoy music compared to adults with cochlear implants. Maybe I just haven't found a type of music I like, and in that case, my search will continue!
Until next time,
Michelle
The sign above signifies me as a person. It lets people around me know that I am not being rude when I don't turn around when someone is calling me, alerts people to the reason why I am looking so intently at their lips in a dark environment and explains why my grammar might be a little odd.
I am Michelle and I am Deaf. Not deaf. But Deaf. It might not seem like a big difference but the capitalised D reminds me I am not simply part of a sub group, but a community of people. The Deaf community is one which is tightly bound and I am glad to be surrounded by such inspiring and strong people.
I have two hearing parents, which is common. Most of my Deaf friends come from hearing parents and hearing families. I was diagnosed at 18 months being profoundly deaf and received my cochlear implant when I was 2. The cochlear implant (for those who don't know) is a two part device, where one the external speech processor, and the other is the surgically implanted receiver stimulator. A lot of people do ask me what it's like to hear with my cochlear implant. But in all honestly, I don't know what sound is meant to sound like! To me, it sounds normal, but those who get their cochlear implant after being able to hear, they say it sounds robotic.
It is a very controversial topic to this day whether or not the cochlear implant is beneficial or hindering. I know, still! It was a big issue when I was 2, and 18 years later, it is still a big deal. I think the main arguments come from the older generation of the Deaf community who have the motto - and excuse my bogan accent - "if it ain't broke, why fix it?". I think a cochlear implant starts to bring forward the idea that there is something wrong with deafness and that it should be 'fixed' with this magical implant.
Despite all this though, I do love having my cochlear implant. I can hear my parents, I can talk to my friends and I can do the things anyone else would.
Deafness is a part of me though, and it always will be despite my implant. On the plus side too, I fall into a famous set of people who were also deaf like Ludwig van Beethoven and Helen Keller!
I'll be posting in the next few days, but thanks to all who have read this far! This blog is my way of reaching out to the world - for anyone who has a cochlear implant, for those considering it and those who are just curious!
Until next time,
Michelle
